Pella Historical Museums has announced a new assistant director ahead of the busiest time of the year for the organization. Liz Van Gorp, who is a Pella High School graduate, started in the role on Monday.

Van Gorp spent the last seven years of her professional career teaching English to high school students, advising a yearbook staff, coaching cross country, and speech and drama.

“I am looking forward to this next chapter of my career working with Pella Historical Museums to preserve and promote Pella’s rich history, Dutch heritage and traditions.”

Van Gorp fills in a gap left behind as current Executive Director Jessi Galligan was promoted following the retirement of Valerie Van Kooten last summer.